Guge Kingdom Ruins
The Guge Kingdom Ruins cover about 180,000 square meters. Rising more than 300 meters from the foot of the mountain to its summit, the site is densely packed with dwellings, stupas and caves,…
Guge Kingdom Ruins, Ngari · AI illustration for China Trip
Key facts
- Admission
- ¥65
- Opening hours
- 8：00—20：30
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Getting there
- If you are not travelling by chartered vehicle, you can try hitchhiking at the junction on the south side of the county town, but traffic is light and only the occasional military truck passes through.
- By car
- National Highway 219, Menshi Township (门士乡) → Qulong Yincheng (曲龙银城) → Dongpo Temple (东坡寺) → Daba Ruins (达巴遗址) → Guge Kingdom Ruins
- Guidebook rating
- 5 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 593. Open in Google Maps
About Guge Kingdom Ruins
The Guge Kingdom Ruins cover about 180,000 square meters. Rising more than 300 meters from the foot of the mountain to its summit, the site is densely packed with dwellings, stupas and caves, more than 600 in all, forming a vast complex of ancient architecture. In recent years, the sculptures, carvings and murals unearthed around the ruins have become precious legacies left by this mysterious kingdom. Guge sculpture consists mainly of gilt and silver Buddhist figures, and its greatest achievement is the statues known as the Guge Silver Eyes. The most completely preserved and most numerous remains are the murals. Guge murals have a distinctive style and reflect every aspect of social life of the time.
The site is surrounded by city walls with watchtowers at the four corners. The ruins sit on a small earthen hill and are arranged in three tiers: the royal palace, the temples and the residences.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Guge Kingdom Ruins cost?
Admission to Guge Kingdom Ruins is ¥65, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Guge Kingdom Ruins?
Guge Kingdom Ruins is open 8：00—20：30.
How do I get to Guge Kingdom Ruins?
If you are not travelling by chartered vehicle, you can try hitchhiking at the junction on the south side of the county town, but traffic is light and only the occasional military truck passes through.
How long should I spend at Guge Kingdom Ruins?
Plan on 2–3 hours for Guge Kingdom Ruins.
Where is Guge Kingdom Ruins?
Guge Kingdom Ruins is in Ngari, Tibet Autonomous Region, in the Southwest of China.
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